CH 49

“Is that the dungeon of the ‘Crimson Scattering Spicy King’?”

From time to time, the Karajin can be spotted entering and exiting the dungeon, and occasionally they bring people who appear to be normal human beings with them.

Furthermore, when we deploy the ≪Fog Cloak≫ to its highest capacity, our own appearance is obscured from others around us.

“Now we know their location, what are we going to do now? As far as I’m concerned, I believe retreating is sensible,” asks Mugi-san.

“(Why don’t we charge in?)”

Izumi also offers a proposal.

“Well…”

I mull over each of these ideas in my mind.

If we were to retreat, owing to our relationship, we could not travel to the south where only the ocean lies, and therefore we would have to head north, but in the north is the “Sugar King of White Smearing,” and beyond that will be the battleground where numerous Demon Kings are vying for dominance.

To put it bluntly, should we advance that way, we would be constantly pursued by several Demon Kings, which would be quite unfavorable given our current strength and number of members.

Conversely, if we were to tackle the dungeon of the “Crimson Scattering Spicy King,” the issue is for what purpose and how deep should we venture into the dungeon?

It is impossible for us to conquer a level 4 Demon King in our present state to begin with, so we will not be attempting such a feat.

Secondly, if our level rises excessively, it is conceivable that the Spicy King himself will show up, similar to what the Ogre King did. In this case, failure to discern the right moment to withdraw will result in a mortal wound.

Finally, if we wish to expand our number of allies, we should search for those who are still in captivity and have not yet turned into Karajin. And I’ll have them become subordinates to Kurokiri by utilizing my ≪The Lord Will Exercise His Power in My Path≫. I guess it’s a matter of having people continue to fight on as they are. The dilemma in this scenario is what to do with the rescued people after they have escaped the dungeon.

“Oh dear, the situation looks so much more enjoyable than over here.”

“!?”

“What’s the matter?”

“What business do you have with me, Kurokiri?”

My body stiffens reflexively upon hearing Kurokiri’s voice in my head, but it is only for a brief second. However, the voice of Mugi-san’s voice rouses me to my senses and I immediately reply.

“Well, you see, things are so hectic here that I don’t even have the time to fret about them, but you guys are so fortunate to be able to worry about it. is what I thought. Therefore, Ichiko.”

“Yes.”

Kurokiri’s voice begins to assume a serious tone.

“You should increase the number of Kirijin there as much as you can. If you can’t transform them into Kirijin, just make them followers of me or the Fox Princess, in any case, go harass the Spicy King to a certain degree. After that, head north via the continent’s inner parts at a convenient time.”

“…I am wondering if this order of yours is really appropriate or not.”

It really distresses me specifically whether is this appropriate or not? Even so, I can tell that despite your habit, Kurokiri, you are taking the Fox Princess into consideration.

“Oh, and also, there’s a request from the Fox Princess…”

“What is it?”

“Don’t antagonize the ‘Sugar King of White Smearing’.”

Kurokiri’s tone becomes more solemn than ever.

“Why… is that?” I ask Kurokiri.

The possibility that comes to my mind is that “Sugar King of White Smearing” possesses capabilities that are either too formidable for us or too complex for us to deal with. The other possibility is that they have some kind of pact with us.

“That is…”

A faint confusion can be heard in Kurokiri’s voice, causing an involuntarily gasp to escape my lips.

For Kurokiri to exhibit this kind of emotion, there must be a fairly tricky reason for it.

“It’s because that’s where the priceless sweets come from.”

“…Huh?”

I unconsciously inquire back. Eh, sweets? Why is that a…?

“Well, you know, after the other Demon Kings seized control of the seas and sky, every country has no choice but to fend for itself, right? And when that happens, there are bound to be a lot of things that can’t be made.”

“Oh…”

Well, that is indeed true.

“The dungeon of the Sugar King is said to be made of sweets, ranging from the monsters that emerge to the structure of the dungeon. So you know…”

“Ah, I see… in other words, a business deal?”

“Yes. Exactly so. At that time, the Fox Princess was a real terror. Irrespective of the difference in our level or whatsoever.”

There is a hint of melancholy in Kurokiri’s voice. Though I don’t really understand how he feels but,

“Well, I’m derailing a lot, but anyway, that’s the thing. Hang in there.”

“I get what you mean. I’ll do all I can to accumulate enough strength to defeat you. Well, then.”

“Goodbye.”

With that, the communication with Kurokiri is disconnected.

“Well, you two.”

I turn to Izumi and Mugi-san.

Perhaps both of them have some grasp of the situation from my words, but their faces look deadly serious.

“I’ve got an order from Kurokiri. We’re storming into that dungeon.”

“Even the Fox Princess-sama told me so, and I’m fine with that.”

“(Understoodー)”

Thus, the three of us enter the dungeon “Red Tilt Taiji Cave” of the “Crimson Scattering Spicy King,” while taking caution not to be discovered by Karajin, who was guarding the entrance.